Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2024

When defence counsel wishes to question a crown witness on the stand this is called

1. Examination in chief

2. Cross examination

3. Direct examination

4. Re-direct

The correct answer is: Cross examination

When defense counsel questions a crown witness on the stand, it is referred to as cross-examination. This phase of trial proceedings is particularly important as it allows the defense to challenge the credibility of the witness, clarify inconsistencies, and attempt to raise doubt regarding the testimony presented by the crown. Cross-examination is strategically utilized by the defense to highlight any weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and the nature of this questioning is often adversarial. The goal is to undermine the reliability of the witness's testimony through pointed questioning and to provide an opportunity for the defense to present a different narrative or perspective. In comparison, examination in chief is the initial questioning of a witness by the side that called them, while direct examination refers to the questioning of a witness in a straightforward manner. Re-direct follows cross-examination and allows the original party to clarify points made during cross-examination, but it does not involve challenging the witness in the same manner as cross-examination.